US President Joe Biden joined TikTok, drawing controversy due to the app's ban on US government devices over concerns it might feed information to Beijing.
Despite security risks highlighted by Washington, the video aimed at young voters was shared as part of Biden's reelection strategy. Republicans, however, slammed his use of the Chinese-owned app, with the White House acknowledging ongoing national security worries.
Despite policies against TikTok use on official devices, Biden's team sees engaging the platform as crucial to attract younger constituents and counter concerns about the President's age, highlighted by a recent report on his memory.
Biden's first TikTok post, a lighthearted mix of memes and Super Bowl commentary, has been popular, signaling the campaign's efforts to innovate outreach. The White House cited this media strategy for Biden's fewer press conferences, compared to predecessors.